From Ghana to Bristol: Reimagining Reparative Justice in a Postcolonial World
Clients: Emmanuella Morsi & Iman Sultan West – Bristol-based artist-researchers
Project Overview:
Initiated by Bristol-based artist-researchers Emmanuella Morsi and Iman Sultan West, From Ghana to Bristol explored reparative justice within the context of climate change and postcolonial environmental challenges. The project aimed to unite thought leaders and cultural innovators from Ghana and the UK to critically engage with sustainability, social justice, and reparative practices.
Emmanuella and Iman approached DēpART for support in designing and delivering a four-week residency in Ghana, where they could examine how indigenous knowledge systems, craft practices, and community-rooted experiences inform and enrich reparative justice initiatives—particularly in the realms of museum practice and environmental sustainability. Central to their brief was a commitment to non-extractive, ethical research and genuine collaboration with Ghanaian creatives, knowledge holders, and small businesses.
DēpART’s Role & Impact:
Curated a four-week residency programme that brought together Ghanaian and UK-based creatives to exchange ideas on reparative justice, climate resilience, and postcolonial critique.
Designed immersive, participatory workshops—including tea ceremonies, batik-making sessions, and shared meals—that encouraged dialogue in organic, culturally rooted settings, rather than traditional interview formats.
Connected the researchers with a carefully selected group of Ghanaian cultural pioneers, working across visual art, heritage, agriculture, craft, and academia, who brought diverse perspectives to the conversations.
Partnered with local businesses and facilitators, ensuring financial equity through fair compensation, while also encouraging meaningful skill exchanges and professional development.
Secured brand sponsorship from Natracare, which allowed the project to top up existing funds and ensure that all Ghanaian collaborators were paid fairly for their time and expertise.
Arranged local press coverage to amplify the project’s reach and elevate the voices of participating Ghanaian collaborators.
Strategic Partners:
DēpART also brought in a range of Ghana-based partners whose contributions were central to the project’s success. These included:
Ɛdan Ghana– a creative and spatial research lab founded by Carina Tenewaa Kanbi
Yaye Africa – an organic sustainable herbal and fruit blend brand
Dine with Chef Dee – culinary storytelling through curated food experiences
Odo Valley – Ghanaian experimental food forest in Busua rooted in ecological care
Ghana Food Movement – local food advocacy and education network
Afroscope Studios- Digital art resource centre and creative studio for decolonising imagination led by Issac Nana Opoku
Studio 189 – globally recognised fashion and social enterprise founded by Abrima Erwiah and Rosario Dawson
By prioritizing ethical collaboration, cultural respect, and local economic engagement, DēpART ensured that From Ghana to Bristol not only fostered deeper cross-cultural relationships but also contributed to tangible, long-term value for Ghanaian stakeholders. The residency served as a model for what non-hierarchical, decolonial research and artistic exchange can look like in practice.